India phases out T‑72s, bets on homegrown tank by 2030
India has decided to retire its outdated T-72 tanks. Approximately 2,400 of these Soviet-origin machines will be replaced by tanks designed and manufactured by the Indian defence industry. This is one of the most ambitious projects presented in recent years by the country's authorities, known as a long-time ally of Moscow, purchasing weapons in large quantities from them.
Brent M. Eastwood, a former U.S. Army officer, notes in an article published on the 19FortyFive portal that India aims to prepare a modern main battle tank, which will be notable for its high mobility while providing the crew with adequate protection and firepower. Plans are for it to enter service as early as 2030.
India no longer wants T-72 tanks
The T-72 is a family of main battle tanks originating from the USSR, equipped with a 125 mm cannon. The first units entered service in 1973, and in the following years, various variants were created, some specifically designed for certain countries.
India, however, still has about 2,400 T-72 Ajeya tanks, which are the Indian licensed version of the T-72M1. Despite upgrades, these machines are considered outdated.
India will rely on domestic tanks
As of now, the fate of the T-72 Ajeya tanks, which India will retire from service, remains unknown. The new tank will be developed under the Future Ready Combat Vehicle (FRCV) program. Seventy percent of the necessary funds are to come from India's Ministry of Defence, which is demonstrating strong determination for the entire endeavour to be successful.
The specifications of the Indian tank intended to replace the Soviet-era machines are not yet precisely defined. The final configuration to enter production will be preceded by prototype evaluations. All should take into account the expectations of Indian authorities, emphasizing the necessity of deploying a tank with "superior mobility, all terrain ability, multilayered protection, precision, lethal firepower and real-time situational awareness."
This may indicate that, unlike the T-72 Ajeya, protection will include countermeasures to modern threats such as advanced anti-tank missiles or kamikaze drones, which have been demonstrated by the war in Ukraine to play a significant role on the battlefield.
